Onaway, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Onaway Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Onaway, MI stands out as a compelling short-term rental market with an ROI score of 81 out of 100, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With an average home value of $320,798 and annual STR revenue averaging $23,882, the market offers attractive entry-level pricing for northern Michigan lakefront and outdoor recreation properties. The market is small — just 24 active listings — which means investors can establish a presence before supply catches up to demand, though the 62% year-over-year listing growth signals rising competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Onaway short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Onaway

Onaway's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and limited supply create a window for investors seeking affordable entry into Michigan's popular lake and recreation corridor.

Expert Market Assessment

"Onaway earns a 'Standout Opportunity' designation, reflecting a market where low acquisition costs pair with meaningful summer revenue potential. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here — July revenue of $5,857 towers over winter months where listings average under $450, so investors need to plan cash flow around a roughly five-month earning window from May through September. Two-bedroom properties dramatically outperform one-bedrooms, pulling in roughly $50,198 annually compared to just $5,272, making the right property configuration critical to success. For investors willing to embrace the seasonal rhythm and target the two-bedroom sweet spot, Onaway presents a genuinely attractive entry point."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Onaway

Average revenue by month in Onaway

Onaway's revenue seasonality is extreme — July leads at $5,857, roughly 15 times the January low of $385, with the core earning season spanning May through September. Investors should expect winter months (November through March) to contribute minimally, making summer pricing and occupancy optimization essential for annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Onaway

The market is split between 10 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings, with no larger properties tracked in active supply. This limited size range could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer three-bedroom or larger homes that accommodate families and groups, a segment currently unserved.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Onaway

ADR jumps substantially from $69 for one-bedrooms to $169 for two-bedrooms — nearly a 2.5x increase for just one additional bedroom. This premium suggests strong guest willingness to pay more for extra space, making two-bedroom units the clear sweet spot for nightly rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Onaway

Two-bedroom properties deliver $57 in RevPAN compared to just $7 for one-bedrooms, an eightfold difference that reflects both higher rates and significantly better occupancy. For investors focused on revenue efficiency, two-bedroom configurations are dramatically more productive per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Onaway

Two-bedroom listings achieve 34% occupancy versus just 11% for one-bedrooms, indicating that guests in Onaway strongly prefer properties with more space. The one-bedroom occupancy rate is particularly low, suggesting these units may struggle to generate consistent bookings outside of peak summer weeks.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Onaway

Monthly revenue diverges sharply by size: two-bedroom listings average $4,183 per month while one-bedrooms bring in only $439. This nearly tenfold gap underscores how critical property selection is in this market — the wrong configuration can drastically undercut investment performance.

Average annual revenue by property size in Onaway

Two-bedroom properties generate approximately $50,198 in annual revenue, compared to $5,272 for one-bedrooms — a difference that can make or break an investment thesis. At the two-bedroom level, the revenue-to-home-value ratio becomes particularly compelling given Onaway's average property prices around $320,798.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Onaway

Parking (92%), self check-in (83%), and pet-friendliness (79%) dominate amenity offerings, signaling a market geared toward self-sufficient vacationers arriving by car with pets in tow. Lake access (42%), beach access (38%), and waterfront positioning (29%) appear in a meaningful share of listings, confirming that proximity to water is a key differentiator for premium properties in this market.

Understanding Onaway's ROI Score: 81/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Onaway's ROI score of 81 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance — two factors that together account for 55% of the score. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both rate as average, reflecting the seasonal nature of demand and the rapid influx of new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to confirm the opportunity fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Onaway

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Onaway. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Onaway, Michigan may need to obtain permits or register with the city or Presque Isle County before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities, as Michigan municipalities have varying levels of STR regulation.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA rules for properties in managed communities. Some Michigan localities have also introduced caps on the number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan levies a 6% use tax on short-term rentals, and local or county-level accommodations taxes may also apply. Major booking platforms often collect and remit state taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations and ensure full compliance.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Onaway can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"With strong summer demand pushing monthly revenue above $5,800 in July, Onaway's seasonal pattern should hold steady or strengthen over the next 12–18 months as northern Michigan continues to attract vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. ADR may see modest increases of 2–5% as the market matures and hosts refine pricing strategies. Occupancy currently sits at 24% — well below the 42% state average — suggesting room for improvement through better listing optimization and off-season pricing, with realistic projections of 26–30% market-wide occupancy as the supply base stabilizes. Investors should plan for pronounced winter softness and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Onaway, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Onaway?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Onaway is currently 24%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings average 34% occupancy while one-bedrooms sit at just 11%. The lower overall figure reflects the market's strong seasonality, with demand concentrated in the summer months and relatively quiet winters.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Onaway?

Airbnb hosts in Onaway earn an average of $1,990 per month and approximately $23,882 per year based on trailing 12-month data. However, there's a dramatic difference by property size: two-bedroom listings average $4,183 per month ($50,198 annually), while one-bedrooms earn roughly $439 per month ($5,272 annually). Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July being the peak month at an average of $5,857.

Is Onaway a good market for Airbnb investment?

Onaway scores 81 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance, with average home values around $320,798. Investors should be aware of the pronounced seasonality — the bulk of revenue is earned between May and September — and should strongly consider two-bedroom properties, which generate nearly ten times the annual revenue of one-bedrooms.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Onaway?

The average daily rate in Onaway is $193, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. Rates vary by property size: one-bedroom listings average $69 per night, while two-bedrooms average $169. The lower market-wide ADR reflects the area's position as an affordable vacation destination, which can be an advantage for attracting budget-conscious travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Onaway?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Onaway, Michigan area, though operators should verify current permit and registration requirements with the City of Onaway and Presque Isle County. Michigan municipalities have varying regulations, so it's important to check for any local ordinances regarding occupancy limits, minimum stays, and parking before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Onaway?

Peak season in Onaway runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,857 per listing. June ($4,234) and August ($4,481) are also high-performing months. Demand drops sharply in the winter, with January through March each averaging under $450. This pattern aligns with northern Michigan's outdoor recreation season, when lake activities and warm weather draw vacationers.

How many Airbnbs are there in Onaway?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Onaway. The market has seen significant growth, with a 62% year-over-year increase in active listings. The current inventory is concentrated in smaller properties — 10 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings make up the tracked supply, suggesting a compact but growing market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Onaway?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Onaway are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts, occupancy rates, and pricing for the Onaway, MI market
• Average daily rate and revenue per available night trends segmented by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for property acquisition context
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.